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Unity tutorial for beginners: Create a Domino simulator
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to build a Domino simulator game from scratch! We’ll guide you through creating objects in the Unity editor, adjusting their size and position, and adding components to bring realistic physics to life. Perfect for beginners, this step-by-step guide will help you master the basics of game development in Unity.
1. Start a new project
To get started, launch Unity Hub and head over to the “Projects” tab on the left-hand side of the interface. Here, you’ll see a list of your existing projects, but to create something new, click the “NEW” button at the top right. Give your project a name — something fun and descriptive, like “Dominoes” — and then select the template you want to use.
For this guide, we’ll stick with the “3D Core” template to make the most of Unity’s 3D capabilities. Once named, hit “CREATE” to finalize your project setup. Unity Hub will automatically open the Unity editor, where you’ll start building your Domino simulator. This may take a moment to load, so sit tight!
2. Build a platform
When the editor opens, you’ll see the default 3D workspace, complete with a Scene view, Game view, Hierarchy panel, and Inspector panel. It’s time to start building! The first thing you need is a horizontal platform for the dominoes to stand on.
Unity makes it easy to create basic shapes directly. To create your platform, go to the Hierarchy panel on the left side of the screen. Right-click in the blank space of the panel, hover over “3D Object,” and select “Cube” from the dropdown menu. This will create a standard cube in your Scene view. You’ll notice the cube appears in the center of your workspace by default.
3. Transform the cube into a Platform
Now that your cube is in place, it’s time to transform it into a flat platform for your dominoes. With the cube selected in the Hierarchy, look at the Inspector panel on the right side of the screen. This panel shows all the properties of your selected object, including Position, Scale, and Rotation. First, rename the Cube to “Platform” for clarity by typing directly into the Name field at the top of the Inspector.
Next, adjust the Scale settings to make it long and flat. For example, set the X Scale to 10, the Y Scale to 0.2, and the Z Scale to 4. This will stretch the cube into a flat, rectangular platform. Position it at the center of your workspace by setting its Position values to (0, 0, 0). Now you have a foundation to build on!
4. Create the first Domino
With your platform ready, let’s move on to creating a domino. Just like before, go to the Hierarchy panel and right-click to create another “3D Object > Cube.” This cube will act as your first domino. Rename it to “Domino” in the Inspector to keep things organized. Now, adjust its Scale to make it tall and thin. For instance, set the X Scale to 0.5, the Y Scale to 1.5, and the Z Scale to 0.2.
This will give it the proportions of a domino piece. Position the domino on top of the platform by adjusting its Position values in the Inspector. For example, set the Y Position to 1.1 (just slightly above the platform) and the X and Z positions to (0, 0). Your first domino is now ready!
5. Add realistic physics to your Domino
To make your domino behave like a real object, you’ll need to add physics to it. Unity uses an “Entity-Component” system, which means objects are given functionality through components. By default, a cube has a “Renderer” component (making it visible) and a “Collider” component (making it solid). To add realistic physical behavior, you need to include a “Rigidbody” component.
Select the domino in the Hierarchy, then go to the Inspector panel. Scroll down and click “Add Component.” Search for “Rigidbody” and click it to apply. This component lets the domino interact with the environment, fall with gravity, and collide with other objects. At this point, your domino is set up for some action!
6. Duplicate your Domino and Switch to 2D view
Instead of creating every domino from scratch, use Unity’s handy “Duplicate” feature to save time. Right-click on your original domino in the Hierarchy panel and select “Duplicate.” An identical copy will appear in the same position as the original.
You’ll notice it’s named “Domino (1)” to differentiate it. To make positioning easier, switch to 2D view by clicking the “2D” button in the Scene toolbar. This view flattens the workspace, making it simpler to align objects side by side.
7. Position the second Domino
Now, it’s time to position your duplicated domino. With the new domino selected, use the “Move” Tool (activated by clicking the arrow icon in the toolbar or pressing the W key) to adjust its position. You’ll see Red, Green, and Blue arrows appear on the object — these are the “Move Handles.”
Drag the Red arrow to move the domino along the X-axis, ensuring it’s close enough to the original to be knocked over. Experiment with spacing to find the perfect distance for a smooth chain reaction.
8. Build a Domino chain
It’s time to let your imagination take over! Use the Duplicate and Move tools to create a chain of dominoes. You can stick to a straight line or get creative with curves and patterns. Want to make it even more interesting? Add multiple platforms, ramps, or different shapes like spheres and cylinders to enhance your design. This is your chance to experiment and have fun!
9. Prepare to tip the first Domino
Before you hit Play to see your creation in action, you’ll need to tip the first domino to start the chain reaction. Select the first domino in the Hierarchy, then switch to the “Rotate” Tool by clicking the rotation icon in the toolbar or pressing the E key. The Rotate Tool works similarly to the Move Tool but uses Red, Green, and Blue circles to adjust the object’s orientation.
10. Tip the Domino
To tip the first domino, click and drag the Blue circle of the Rotate Tool. Rotate the domino until it leans at about a 15-degree angle. This slight tilt is enough to start the chain reaction once you press Play. If you want to test it, hit the Play button at the top of the editor and watch as your domino chain comes to life! Don’t forget, you can always go back and refine the setup to make it even more impressive.
With these steps complete, you’re ready to create your very own domino simulator. Experiment, refine, and have fun bringing your design to life!
